Chapter 1
"Excuse me?!" Sara Pezzini says stunned staring at the female doctor before her "Did you just say I'm..." she swallows unable to say the words
The doctor nods smiling "Yes your pregnant" she repeats
"I uh" Sara says nervously
"Why don't you go home and think about what you want to do" the doctor suggests feeling sympathetic at the stricken look on Sara's face
"Uh yeah" Sara nods standing she grabs her jacket pulling it on "Thanks for everything" she walks out of the office in a daze. Sara walks out of the builing to find her partner Jake McCartey waiting in their unmarked police car. She gets into the car buckling her seatbelt
"How'd your appointment go?" Jake asks starting the car
"Fine" Sara lies "thanks for waiting."
"It's cool" he shrugs pulling out into the traffic "Do you want to go out for dinner and drinks and maybe some rounds of pool?"
Sara shakes her head staring out the window "Thanks but I'm tired. I just want to go home and get some rest"
"Sure"
Sara remains silent on the ride back to the precinct. She gets out of the car as he stops the car. "Thanks Jake. I'll see you tomorrow" she gives the blond cop a weak smile.
Jake nods "Have a good night. Call me if you change your mind" he watches as his partner walks away 'Somethings up with her.'
Sara Pezzini's Apartment
Sara sits on the couch staring at the wall "I can't be pregnant" she mutters
"Well you are Partner"
Sara stiffens at the voice looking over she finds her dead partner Danny Woo standing there "What do you want?"
Danny crouches before her "You are pregnant Pez"
Sara wipes at the tear that falls down her cheek "What am I supposed to do Danny?! I can't have a kid!"
"You do have your own choice in life Sara."
"I know" she sighs running her fingers through her hair she stands pulling on her jacket "I know"
Ghost Danny shakes his head watching as his Partner walks away "Good luck Pez" he wishes
Shoving her hands in her jacket pocket Sara walks down the stairs and out of her apartment building. She walks down the street oblivious to the fact that he is watching her.
Tall, dark haired Ian Nottingham stands in the shadows watching as Sara walks down the street obviously lost in thought 'Poor Lady Sara. I wonder why you are so sad' stealthily the Protector follows the Weilder careful to stay in the shadows
Sara walks down the street barely paying attention to the people around her. 'Was this supposed to happen? How can I have a child with my life the way it is? The Bulls wanting me out of the way... Irons wanting me in general. I have no one I can turn to.' she looks up finding herself near the church cemetary where her mother and father are buried.
Ian watches curiously as Sara enters the cemetary. 'Her parents are buried here' he remembers. He stay far enough away to give Sara some privacy.
Sara makes her way through the headstones to her parents plots. She crouches before them "Hey Ma. Hey Pops. Been awhile since I've visited. You were right Pops... the White Bulls are still running within the PD. I'm being careful." she pauses "I guess if you guys are watching over me then you know what is going on. The Witchblade. My own personal stalker/assassin. Gabe. John. That I'm pregnant" she finishes softly
After a moment she continues "Yeah Ma your gettin' the grandkid you want. The kid won't have a father and will be in constant danger and I have no one to help me." she pulls her knees up to her chest
Ian stands there not hearing the conversation but sensing her sadness and concern
Danny appears beside the Watcher/Protector "She needs someone she can trust Nottingham. The only one she can is you."
Sensing the ghost's presence and feelings Ian looks around "She does not trust me."
"You are the only one in the end that she can trust."
After a thoughtful moment Ian walks out of the shadows heading towards Sara he crouches beside her hesitantly touching her shoulder with his gloved hand.
Sara turns her head to find Ian watching her with concern in his brown eyes
Ian tilts his head "Why are you crying?"
Sara looks at the headstones "Why are you here?"
"I followed you" he admits. When she glares at him Ian looks down "You seemed distracted. I did not want you to be hurt because of it." he explains standing he remains still his head bowed. As Sara starts to stand he holds his hand out to her
Sara looks at the offered hand then takes it allowing him to help her stand "Thanks"
Ian nods
The two silently walk back to Sara's apartment. At the door she gives Ian a sad smile "Thanks Nottingham"
Ian nods. As Sara opens the door he reaches out touching her arm. When Sara looks at him he speaks "You may not trust me Lady Sara but I am here to serve you."
Seeing the look of assurance in his eyes Sara nods giving him a sad smile "Thank you Ian"
Ian bows his head "Good night"
Sara enters the apartment closing the door behind her
Next Day: Precinct
Sara looks up from her work as Jake walks in "Hey Rookie" she greets
Jake grins "Mornin' Pez" he holds out a cup of coffee
Sara starts to reach for it then shakes her head "No thanks. I'm too wired as it is"
Jake shrugs sitting down "More for me then" he sets the coffees down "What's on for today?" he asks
"Paperwork" she grins
"Oh fun" he scowls as her cell phone rings
Sara grabs the phone as it rings a second time "Pezzini" she says in greeting
"I need to speak with you my Lady"
Sara sighs at the familiar voice "I'm a little busy right now. Can it wait?"
"It is important. I'm on the roof" Ian says hanging up
Sara closes the phone staring at it for a moment before she looks at Jake "I have to go do something. I'll be back in a couple minutes" she stands grabbing her jacket
"Sure I'll just wade through this" Jake scowls at the paperwork before him
Sara gives him an apologetic smile before hurrying out of the office.
Ian stands on the roof of the building staring out at the city below him. He glances over hearing the access door open to see Sara walk out.
Sara walks over to the silent man "What's the deal Nottingham?" she demands crossing her arms over her chest
"He knows about your doctor's appointment" Ian says softly
"WHAT?!"
Ian looks down "He sent me to break in and retrieve the files"
"So he knows" Sara pales
Ian shakes his head glancing at Sara "I gave him the doctored results."
"Why did you do that Ian? He's going to find out sooner or later that you gave him the false results."
Ian shrugs "I swore to protect you that also includes your child."
Sara stares at him surprised "Thank you Ian" she says sincerely
"Be careful my Lady. I won't always be here to watch out for you" he says sadly
"He's going to be mad when he finds out you changed it"
Ian nods "You matter more than his anger." he turns to walk away then speaks "I meant what I said last night Sara..." he looks at her his eyes soft "I will be here for you no matter what"
Sara walks over standing on her tiptoes she kisses his cheek gently "Thank you Ian." she walks back to the door leaving Ian standing there.
Chapter 2
Month later
Sara pants for breath ducking into an alley as the rain pours down "Damn it" she mutters hearing a brief struggle
"Sara"
Hearing the familiar voice Sara carefully steps out to find Ian standing in the rain over a body "Ian who are they? Bulls?" she asks
Ian looks Sara over searching for any sign of injury "Come we need to get out of sight" he holds his gloved hand out to her
"Ian..."
"Trust me" he pleads
After a split second Sara realizes something 'He's the only one I can trust.' she puts her hand in his following Ian through the alley to his car.
Ian opens the car door for Sara. As she gets in he closes the door going around to the driver's side
As Ian gets in Sara looks at him "What's going on Ian? I have a pretty good idea that they were hired by Dante."
"They were" Ian says starting the car "We need to get you out of the city"
"Where?"
"Somewhere safe" Ian assures pulling out into the traffic
Sara stares out the window as Ian drives her mind spinning. 'They want me dead... and my baby will die too' she rubs her arms
"Cold?" Ian asks
Sara nods
Ian turns up the heat "We'll be there soon"
"Where?"
"Need to change cars. This is Irons car."
"Oh." Sara watches the buildings pass
Ian continues driving glancing at Sara every so often. After a while Ian pulls the car into an underground parking lot. He pulls into a parking spot turning off the car he steps out going over to the passenger side he opens the door
Sara steps out stretching
Ian goes over to the brick wall removing a brick he takes out a set of car keys he goes over to a black BMW he unlocks the passenger door for Sara opening it.
"Ian"
"I have to get some things out of the trunk." he says as Sara gets in he closes the door
Sara watches as he goes over to the other car opening the trunk. She sighs resting her arms over her middle 'It'll be OK baby. Ian won't let anything happen to you.'
Ian grabs a couple dufflebags carrying them over to the BMW he opens the trunk setting them inside. After a few trips between cars he gets into the drivers side starting the car. "When I found out what was going on this afternoon I went by your place and grabbed some of your things."
"What the hell is going on Nottingham?" Sara demands as Ian backs out of the parking spot
Ian glances at her "Dante wants you dead more now than ever"
Sara pales looking at her middle for a moment
"He wants you dead more than ever" Ian answers "I will do whatever I have to to make sure you both are safe."
"Why?"
"It is my duty and my destiny to protect you" he explains "and your child"
"Thank you Ian"
Ian nods "You should rest my Lady we will be there in a few hours."
Sara nods leaning against the door she closes her eyes
While Later
Ian stops the car reaching over he gently shakes Sara "Sara?"
Sara slowly opens her eyes "Where are we?" she asks groggily looking at the house before her she rubs her eyes.
"My hideout" he answers stepping out of the car he goes around opening the door for Sara
Sara gets out stretching
"Do not worry he does not know about this place." he leads Sara up to the house unlocking the door "We'll be safe here for tonight. We'll leave tomorrow evening."
"Where to?" Sara asks stepping inside
"Somewhere safe." he answers
"What about Irons? He won't stop until he gets you back"
Ian nods "I know." he turns on the lights
Sara looks around the sparsely furnished foyer
"Look around. I will go get the bags."
Sara nods walking into the livingroom off the foyer she turns on the light smiling at the darkly furnished room 'Definately his personality.' she goes over to the black bookcase reading the titles 'War books, strategy... classical mythology, history, biographies' she smiles 'Shakespeare, Plato, Grisham, King' she turns around sensing Ian's presence in the doorway "Got a lot of books Nottingham"
"I have more upstairs and downstairs and back at the Estate." he states removing his cap and overcoat. He clasps his hands behind his back
"Show me around?" she asks
Ian nods
Later
Sara gives Ian a small smile as they enter the guest room after the full tour "Thank you Ian"
Ian nods "Good night Sara" he says walking out the door
"Good night Ian"
Morning
Sara walks into the kitchen where she finds Ian at the kitchen table reading the newspaper with the TV on "Morning" she greets
Ian looks up "Good morning Sara. Would you like some breakfast?"
Sara winces feeling her stomach roll "God no. Its too early" she sits at the table "What I'd love is coffee" she says mournfully "But no... no coffee for me"
"Tea or milk?" he asks standing
"Tea please" she requests
Ian nods going to the stove he turns the burner on
Sara watches him curiously "He knows your gone doesn't he"
"Yes"
"Why are you doing this Ian? Irons will be totally pissed off if he finds us"
"It is my duty to protect you."
Sara shakes her head "I don't know why you bother. Protecting me is going to cause you more trouble."
"I swore to protect you no matter what." he grabs the kettle as it whistles pouring the hot water in the mug. "Milk? Sugar?"
"Neither"
Ian nods carrying the mug over to the table he sets it before Sara
"Thank you" Sara smiles taking a sip of the tea "Where are we going?"
"Anywhere"
Sara groans "What am I thinking?! Ian I can't just disappear. I have a job. If I disappear the Bulls will go after Gabe and anyone else I know."
"Sara if you stay not only will you be in danger but your child and Gabriel as well. Not only from the White Bulls but from Irons once he finds out about your child"
Sara pouts "I can't just disappear on Gabe. He'll freak out and do something stupid."
"Do not worry"
"Ian Gabe is a hot head. He'll get into some trouble... probably with Dante and Orlansky"
"Would you like me to bring him here?"
Sara brightens up "Would you?"
Ian nods "If that is what you would like"
Sara smiles "I would like to say goodbye to him"
"Then I will bring him here" Ian promises
Early Afternoon
"What's the deal chief?" Gabe asks as he and Sara settle in the livingroom "Nottingham didn't say much"
"Some guys tried to grab me last night" Sara tells him
"Are you OK?" Gabe asks concerned
Sara nods "I'm fine" she assures
"Bulls?"
"Yes" Sara says hugging herself
"That's why your here"
Sara nods
"Your leaving?"
"Yes." she nods "Gabe swear you won't do anymore research on this thing?" she requests holding up her wrist
"Sara" he protests
"Gabe I'm serious. Its getting too dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt. You need to destroy all the research you've done for me on the Witchblade, its history, Irons, my past... and the White Bulls. Destroy it all and forget that I ever asked you to do it for me"
"But it interesting"
"Gabe its too dangerous for you"
Gabe reluctantly nods "OK Sara."
"Stay out of trouble" she says sternly
"I'll try"
"If you do get into trouble go to Jake. He'll help you"
"Aren't you going to tell him your leaving?"
"No" Sara says "You won't tell him I left with Ian. You know they don't get along"
"I won't tell him" Gabe promises
Sara smiles "I'm going to miss you"
Gabe grins "I'll miss you too"
"Gabe do me a favor. Ian grabbed my clothes and the lockbox my Dad left for me. Once they realize I'm gone they'll investigate for a while. After their done can you put the Buell and everything else in storage"
"I will"
"Sell the drumset and use the money for storage fees."
Gabe nods
"And keep John's guitar for me"
"Sure"
"Thanks Gabe" she smiles
After dark
"Are you OK Sara?" Ian asks glancing at Sara as he drives
Sara shrugs "I'm worried about Gabe and Jake"
"They will be fine Sara" he assures
Sara looks down at her arms resting over her middle "I hope so"
"Excuse me?!" Sara Pezzini says stunned staring at the female doctor before her "Did you just say I'm..." she swallows unable to say the words
The doctor nods smiling "Yes your pregnant" she repeats
"I uh" Sara says nervously
"Why don't you go home and think about what you want to do" the doctor suggests feeling sympathetic at the stricken look on Sara's face
"Uh yeah" Sara nods standing she grabs her jacket pulling it on "Thanks for everything" she walks out of the office in a daze. Sara walks out of the builing to find her partner Jake McCartey waiting in their unmarked police car. She gets into the car buckling her seatbelt
"How'd your appointment go?" Jake asks starting the car
"Fine" Sara lies "thanks for waiting."
"It's cool" he shrugs pulling out into the traffic "Do you want to go out for dinner and drinks and maybe some rounds of pool?"
Sara shakes her head staring out the window "Thanks but I'm tired. I just want to go home and get some rest"
"Sure"
Sara remains silent on the ride back to the precinct. She gets out of the car as he stops the car. "Thanks Jake. I'll see you tomorrow" she gives the blond cop a weak smile.
Jake nods "Have a good night. Call me if you change your mind" he watches as his partner walks away 'Somethings up with her.'
Sara Pezzini's Apartment
Sara sits on the couch staring at the wall "I can't be pregnant" she mutters
"Well you are Partner"
Sara stiffens at the voice looking over she finds her dead partner Danny Woo standing there "What do you want?"
Danny crouches before her "You are pregnant Pez"
Sara wipes at the tear that falls down her cheek "What am I supposed to do Danny?! I can't have a kid!"
"You do have your own choice in life Sara."
"I know" she sighs running her fingers through her hair she stands pulling on her jacket "I know"
Ghost Danny shakes his head watching as his Partner walks away "Good luck Pez" he wishes
Shoving her hands in her jacket pocket Sara walks down the stairs and out of her apartment building. She walks down the street oblivious to the fact that he is watching her.
Tall, dark haired Ian Nottingham stands in the shadows watching as Sara walks down the street obviously lost in thought 'Poor Lady Sara. I wonder why you are so sad' stealthily the Protector follows the Weilder careful to stay in the shadows
Sara walks down the street barely paying attention to the people around her. 'Was this supposed to happen? How can I have a child with my life the way it is? The Bulls wanting me out of the way... Irons wanting me in general. I have no one I can turn to.' she looks up finding herself near the church cemetary where her mother and father are buried.
Ian watches curiously as Sara enters the cemetary. 'Her parents are buried here' he remembers. He stay far enough away to give Sara some privacy.
Sara makes her way through the headstones to her parents plots. She crouches before them "Hey Ma. Hey Pops. Been awhile since I've visited. You were right Pops... the White Bulls are still running within the PD. I'm being careful." she pauses "I guess if you guys are watching over me then you know what is going on. The Witchblade. My own personal stalker/assassin. Gabe. John. That I'm pregnant" she finishes softly
After a moment she continues "Yeah Ma your gettin' the grandkid you want. The kid won't have a father and will be in constant danger and I have no one to help me." she pulls her knees up to her chest
Ian stands there not hearing the conversation but sensing her sadness and concern
Danny appears beside the Watcher/Protector "She needs someone she can trust Nottingham. The only one she can is you."
Sensing the ghost's presence and feelings Ian looks around "She does not trust me."
"You are the only one in the end that she can trust."
After a thoughtful moment Ian walks out of the shadows heading towards Sara he crouches beside her hesitantly touching her shoulder with his gloved hand.
Sara turns her head to find Ian watching her with concern in his brown eyes
Ian tilts his head "Why are you crying?"
Sara looks at the headstones "Why are you here?"
"I followed you" he admits. When she glares at him Ian looks down "You seemed distracted. I did not want you to be hurt because of it." he explains standing he remains still his head bowed. As Sara starts to stand he holds his hand out to her
Sara looks at the offered hand then takes it allowing him to help her stand "Thanks"
Ian nods
The two silently walk back to Sara's apartment. At the door she gives Ian a sad smile "Thanks Nottingham"
Ian nods. As Sara opens the door he reaches out touching her arm. When Sara looks at him he speaks "You may not trust me Lady Sara but I am here to serve you."
Seeing the look of assurance in his eyes Sara nods giving him a sad smile "Thank you Ian"
Ian bows his head "Good night"
Sara enters the apartment closing the door behind her
Next Day: Precinct
Sara looks up from her work as Jake walks in "Hey Rookie" she greets
Jake grins "Mornin' Pez" he holds out a cup of coffee
Sara starts to reach for it then shakes her head "No thanks. I'm too wired as it is"
Jake shrugs sitting down "More for me then" he sets the coffees down "What's on for today?" he asks
"Paperwork" she grins
"Oh fun" he scowls as her cell phone rings
Sara grabs the phone as it rings a second time "Pezzini" she says in greeting
"I need to speak with you my Lady"
Sara sighs at the familiar voice "I'm a little busy right now. Can it wait?"
"It is important. I'm on the roof" Ian says hanging up
Sara closes the phone staring at it for a moment before she looks at Jake "I have to go do something. I'll be back in a couple minutes" she stands grabbing her jacket
"Sure I'll just wade through this" Jake scowls at the paperwork before him
Sara gives him an apologetic smile before hurrying out of the office.
Ian stands on the roof of the building staring out at the city below him. He glances over hearing the access door open to see Sara walk out.
Sara walks over to the silent man "What's the deal Nottingham?" she demands crossing her arms over her chest
"He knows about your doctor's appointment" Ian says softly
"WHAT?!"
Ian looks down "He sent me to break in and retrieve the files"
"So he knows" Sara pales
Ian shakes his head glancing at Sara "I gave him the doctored results."
"Why did you do that Ian? He's going to find out sooner or later that you gave him the false results."
Ian shrugs "I swore to protect you that also includes your child."
Sara stares at him surprised "Thank you Ian" she says sincerely
"Be careful my Lady. I won't always be here to watch out for you" he says sadly
"He's going to be mad when he finds out you changed it"
Ian nods "You matter more than his anger." he turns to walk away then speaks "I meant what I said last night Sara..." he looks at her his eyes soft "I will be here for you no matter what"
Sara walks over standing on her tiptoes she kisses his cheek gently "Thank you Ian." she walks back to the door leaving Ian standing there.
Chapter 2
Month later
Sara pants for breath ducking into an alley as the rain pours down "Damn it" she mutters hearing a brief struggle
"Sara"
Hearing the familiar voice Sara carefully steps out to find Ian standing in the rain over a body "Ian who are they? Bulls?" she asks
Ian looks Sara over searching for any sign of injury "Come we need to get out of sight" he holds his gloved hand out to her
"Ian..."
"Trust me" he pleads
After a split second Sara realizes something 'He's the only one I can trust.' she puts her hand in his following Ian through the alley to his car.
Ian opens the car door for Sara. As she gets in he closes the door going around to the driver's side
As Ian gets in Sara looks at him "What's going on Ian? I have a pretty good idea that they were hired by Dante."
"They were" Ian says starting the car "We need to get you out of the city"
"Where?"
"Somewhere safe" Ian assures pulling out into the traffic
Sara stares out the window as Ian drives her mind spinning. 'They want me dead... and my baby will die too' she rubs her arms
"Cold?" Ian asks
Sara nods
Ian turns up the heat "We'll be there soon"
"Where?"
"Need to change cars. This is Irons car."
"Oh." Sara watches the buildings pass
Ian continues driving glancing at Sara every so often. After a while Ian pulls the car into an underground parking lot. He pulls into a parking spot turning off the car he steps out going over to the passenger side he opens the door
Sara steps out stretching
Ian goes over to the brick wall removing a brick he takes out a set of car keys he goes over to a black BMW he unlocks the passenger door for Sara opening it.
"Ian"
"I have to get some things out of the trunk." he says as Sara gets in he closes the door
Sara watches as he goes over to the other car opening the trunk. She sighs resting her arms over her middle 'It'll be OK baby. Ian won't let anything happen to you.'
Ian grabs a couple dufflebags carrying them over to the BMW he opens the trunk setting them inside. After a few trips between cars he gets into the drivers side starting the car. "When I found out what was going on this afternoon I went by your place and grabbed some of your things."
"What the hell is going on Nottingham?" Sara demands as Ian backs out of the parking spot
Ian glances at her "Dante wants you dead more now than ever"
Sara pales looking at her middle for a moment
"He wants you dead more than ever" Ian answers "I will do whatever I have to to make sure you both are safe."
"Why?"
"It is my duty and my destiny to protect you" he explains "and your child"
"Thank you Ian"
Ian nods "You should rest my Lady we will be there in a few hours."
Sara nods leaning against the door she closes her eyes
While Later
Ian stops the car reaching over he gently shakes Sara "Sara?"
Sara slowly opens her eyes "Where are we?" she asks groggily looking at the house before her she rubs her eyes.
"My hideout" he answers stepping out of the car he goes around opening the door for Sara
Sara gets out stretching
"Do not worry he does not know about this place." he leads Sara up to the house unlocking the door "We'll be safe here for tonight. We'll leave tomorrow evening."
"Where to?" Sara asks stepping inside
"Somewhere safe." he answers
"What about Irons? He won't stop until he gets you back"
Ian nods "I know." he turns on the lights
Sara looks around the sparsely furnished foyer
"Look around. I will go get the bags."
Sara nods walking into the livingroom off the foyer she turns on the light smiling at the darkly furnished room 'Definately his personality.' she goes over to the black bookcase reading the titles 'War books, strategy... classical mythology, history, biographies' she smiles 'Shakespeare, Plato, Grisham, King' she turns around sensing Ian's presence in the doorway "Got a lot of books Nottingham"
"I have more upstairs and downstairs and back at the Estate." he states removing his cap and overcoat. He clasps his hands behind his back
"Show me around?" she asks
Ian nods
Later
Sara gives Ian a small smile as they enter the guest room after the full tour "Thank you Ian"
Ian nods "Good night Sara" he says walking out the door
"Good night Ian"
Morning
Sara walks into the kitchen where she finds Ian at the kitchen table reading the newspaper with the TV on "Morning" she greets
Ian looks up "Good morning Sara. Would you like some breakfast?"
Sara winces feeling her stomach roll "God no. Its too early" she sits at the table "What I'd love is coffee" she says mournfully "But no... no coffee for me"
"Tea or milk?" he asks standing
"Tea please" she requests
Ian nods going to the stove he turns the burner on
Sara watches him curiously "He knows your gone doesn't he"
"Yes"
"Why are you doing this Ian? Irons will be totally pissed off if he finds us"
"It is my duty to protect you."
Sara shakes her head "I don't know why you bother. Protecting me is going to cause you more trouble."
"I swore to protect you no matter what." he grabs the kettle as it whistles pouring the hot water in the mug. "Milk? Sugar?"
"Neither"
Ian nods carrying the mug over to the table he sets it before Sara
"Thank you" Sara smiles taking a sip of the tea "Where are we going?"
"Anywhere"
Sara groans "What am I thinking?! Ian I can't just disappear. I have a job. If I disappear the Bulls will go after Gabe and anyone else I know."
"Sara if you stay not only will you be in danger but your child and Gabriel as well. Not only from the White Bulls but from Irons once he finds out about your child"
Sara pouts "I can't just disappear on Gabe. He'll freak out and do something stupid."
"Do not worry"
"Ian Gabe is a hot head. He'll get into some trouble... probably with Dante and Orlansky"
"Would you like me to bring him here?"
Sara brightens up "Would you?"
Ian nods "If that is what you would like"
Sara smiles "I would like to say goodbye to him"
"Then I will bring him here" Ian promises
Early Afternoon
"What's the deal chief?" Gabe asks as he and Sara settle in the livingroom "Nottingham didn't say much"
"Some guys tried to grab me last night" Sara tells him
"Are you OK?" Gabe asks concerned
Sara nods "I'm fine" she assures
"Bulls?"
"Yes" Sara says hugging herself
"That's why your here"
Sara nods
"Your leaving?"
"Yes." she nods "Gabe swear you won't do anymore research on this thing?" she requests holding up her wrist
"Sara" he protests
"Gabe I'm serious. Its getting too dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt. You need to destroy all the research you've done for me on the Witchblade, its history, Irons, my past... and the White Bulls. Destroy it all and forget that I ever asked you to do it for me"
"But it interesting"
"Gabe its too dangerous for you"
Gabe reluctantly nods "OK Sara."
"Stay out of trouble" she says sternly
"I'll try"
"If you do get into trouble go to Jake. He'll help you"
"Aren't you going to tell him your leaving?"
"No" Sara says "You won't tell him I left with Ian. You know they don't get along"
"I won't tell him" Gabe promises
Sara smiles "I'm going to miss you"
Gabe grins "I'll miss you too"
"Gabe do me a favor. Ian grabbed my clothes and the lockbox my Dad left for me. Once they realize I'm gone they'll investigate for a while. After their done can you put the Buell and everything else in storage"
"I will"
"Sell the drumset and use the money for storage fees."
Gabe nods
"And keep John's guitar for me"
"Sure"
"Thanks Gabe" she smiles
After dark
"Are you OK Sara?" Ian asks glancing at Sara as he drives
Sara shrugs "I'm worried about Gabe and Jake"
"They will be fine Sara" he assures
Sara looks down at her arms resting over her middle "I hope so"